Chicago Bears: Full 2019 mock draft after free agency frenzy

Some expected the Chicago Bears to make a play at an edge rusher in free agency. At the very least they would sign their own player, Aaron Lynch, right? Wrong.

The Bears allowed Lynch to go out and test free agency. Lynch’s injury history probably played a role in that decision. Lynch was having a very good season in 2018 before an injury suffered in Week 13 cost him the final three games of the regular season and the playoff game. Not having him on the field just put things out of whack on the defense.

The Bears figured having Lynch play a limited number of snaps would help keep him healthy. It worked until Week 13. I don’t think they want to go through that once again. Drafting a player gives them a controllable player for a few years. Jalen Jelks could be a good pick here.

Jelks spent his time in Oregon as a defensive lineman, both interior and on the outside. At the next level, however, he won’t be able to handle the big linemen unless he gained a lot of mass. He could play the outside linebacker, though. He is quick off the snap and could get to the backfield. Combine his explosiveness with his length and he’d be a good asset.

Jelks has an incredible motor. He is good at pursuit and makes tackles from behind that he shouldn’t be making.

Jelks is just learning to play the outside linebacker spot so his hand placement and swats are off. He also lines up too wide which turns his potential sacks to quarterback pressures. These are fixable, however, and once he puts it together he could become a good professional.